Tribute to Navajo Nation Code Talker Reuben Curley

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President Ben Shelly Commemorates the Life of
Code Talker Reuben Curley, Sr.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation
mourns the lost of another heroic Code Talker.
Code Talker Reuben Curley, 96, passed away
Saturday Aug. 4 at his home in Flagstaff. Code
Talker Curley was born on July 10, 1916 in Bird
Springs, Ariz.

To commemorate Code Talker Curley’s service,
President Shelly has ordered the Navajo Nation
Flag to be flow at half-staff from Friday, Aug.
10 through sundown Aug. 14.

Code Talker Curley enlisted in the United States
Marine Corps in August of 1943 and served in
World War II with the 2nd Marine Division.
“I am sad to hear this news. Our Navajo Code
Talkers are very special to our people and we
mourn the loss of Reuben Curley. At this time,
the prayers of the Navajo Nation are with the
family. We must never forget the service the
Code Talkers did for our people in this country.” President Shelly stated.

Code Talker Curley took part in campaigns at Tinian, Saipan, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa,
also participating in the occupation of Japan. He was a qualified rifle sharpshooter. Code
Talker Curley received various medals and was also awarded a Purple Heart medal.
Code Talker Curley received an honorable discharge in January of 1946. He returned to
Arizona after the war to work for the Navajo Army Depot for 45 years.
His service to the community was his faithful commitment of time and resources to the
Flagstaff Mission.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Code Talker Curley. His efforts to defend this
country and his people make me proud. My prayers, and the prayers of the First Lady, the
Vice President and the Navajo Nation are with the family,” said President Shelly.
Code Talker Curley is survived by his wife, Ardith Chase Curley of Flagstaff; daughters,
Lena Wilson, Mary Jane Curley, Etta Curley, Helen Curley; sons, Reuben Curley, Jr.,
Luby “Curley”, George Curley; sisters, Girdie Hyjoe and Rosie Keams; 40 grandchildren
and 31 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Bruce Curley; sisters, Ora Curley, Vina
Curley, Polly Curley; and brothers, Harris Curley, Tony Curley and Phillip Curley.
Funeral service will be held Aug. 11 at the Greenlaw Baptist Church in Flagstaff, 3400 E.
Lockett Rd., Flagstaff at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow services at the Citizens Cemetery
in Flagstaff, Veterans Section, 1300 S. San Francisco St.
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